Depending on whom you
read, from
87% to 98% of all Americans have ‘Periodontal' disease.
Periodontal disease has been recently discovered to lead to risks of
heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy problems (low birth weight and
premature births), and respiratory disease.

We are dealing with one disease; considering that this one
disease has various stages of development or 'decay'. These
stages may have names such as 'cavities', 'gingivitis', 'pyorrhea' or
'Riggs' Disease', etc. Let's just consider that these are simply
stages of the same 'one' disease, referred to as 'Periodontal' disease.

Periodontal disease is caused by the acidic waste by-products from
varieties of bacteria and other microflora thriving on sugars created
from food particles trapped between teeth. The microbes are
passed from mouth to mouth by kissing, sharing utensils, etc. In
other words, it's contagious. Early symptoms occur when the
bacterial infection spreads from the gum to the bone that supports the
teeth. The pathogens then cause small spaces or crevices to form
between the gums and the teeth. These crevices are called
‘pockets.’ The
disease can progress for quite a while without you becoming aware of
its advancement because, for the most part, the progression is
painless. When you notice an odor coming from one or more teeth,
pain, blood or one or more teeth loosening, the disease is probably at
an advanced stage.

There are four things you will want to do:

1. Know/discern the current status of your oral
health. One way of checking is through microscopic Anti-Infective
periodontal testing done at the dentist's office. If your dentist
doesn't do it, inquire about one he or she knows who does do it or call
around yourself. Dr. Nara used to offer a saliva test, which would give
readings on the levels of
Strep Mutans and Lacto Bacillus.

Another way is to know how deep
your periodontal pockets (the gaps between your teeth and the
surrounding gum tissue) are. Your hygienist will measure them
with a probe right in the Dentist's office and log the depth
measurements in millimeters on a chart representing your teeth.
Although this is not going to give you a detailed analysis of the level
of microbes present, it will give you a general idea of how much the
disease is advancing in your mouth and which areas of the mouth are
most affected. Have the
measurements taken and ask for a copy of the chart. Tape it up in
your
bathroom next to your mirror so you can have a reference to work with.
This
procedure is standard in many dental practices and if it isn’t ask for
it.

Realize that the purpose for any sort of testing is the
comparison of current results with results of subsequent periodic
testing in order to get an idea of how well you are doing your job when
you clean your teeth. If you are doing a good job, you are
beating the disease, avoiding root
canals and will likely keep your teeth healthy for as long as you live.

If any of your pockets are deeper than 2 millimeters (mm), you
should procure an oral
irrigator. Normal brushing and flossing cannot usually get
deeper than 2mm into the periodontal pocket – and one has to
be very thorough to achieve even that depth with a brush. An oral
irrigator is a good tool to have around and can be used even if your
pockets are not currently threatened by decay.

Irrigators come in a variety of styles and models, but pay
attention to the types of ‘tip’ attachments that come with the
unit. A ‘standard’ tip has a wide opening that will allow you to
deliver water or a solution of baking soda and water (or other
anti-microbial rinse) to areas in between the teeth and gums, but not
too far into the pockets themselves, because
of the width of the tip. The narrower ‘sulcus’ tips are for
irrigating pockets between 2mm and 4mm deep. Beyond 4mm, you will
need a cannulae tip, which allows the flow of solution to get deeper
into a more
affected area. The Via-jet comes with
a set of ‘sulcus tips’ and other units probably come with sulcus tips
or
have them available as options.

Finally, where the periodontal pockets are found to be deeper
than 4mm, a sulcus tip may not do the job. At this point you will
need a special, narrower ‘cannulae’ tip in order to reach deeper into
the pocket to deliver the solution when you irrigate. This type
of tip is available for the ViaJet PRO.

2. Fix/repair the problem.
If you have a large amount of decay present in the mouth currently, it
would be wise to have the repair work
done by a professional one last time, but make the decision to maintain
a
healthy oral environment from that point on. If you have a
condition
where a tooth is cracked or so badly decayed it needs to be repaired or
pulled, you should have the work done - but get into the mind set that
you will never let things get so bad in the future.

3. If you have deep pockets
or other manifestations of decay or infection your dentist may suggest
'periodontal' surgery. I recommend that you insist on
alternatives or locate a dentist willing to work with you on the
alternatives. By that, I mean you may be able to use oral
irrigation therapy to kill off bacteria and remove the bacterial waste,
which is causing the decay of the teeth, gums and connective tissue
between the teeth and gums.
This is possible to do; although by your taking matters in your own
hands
- at home - means the dentist or the 'specialist' doesn't profit from
it
as much as when restorative work, surgery or prosthetic work is
performed. You may have to search a little until you locate a
professional willing to work with you. Teeth can remineralize,
gums and connective tissue will grow back... but you need to keep the
areas very clean and healthy for this to occur - so you need to...

4. Maintain a healthy oral
environment. Once you get things in
good shape, keep them that way. Eat healthy, nutritious
foods. Clean debris from the teeth; brush thoroughly for at least
two minutes after each time you eat, floss daily and irrigate the
teeth. Brush your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth while
doing your teeth. This will keep bacteria from spreading from those
areas onto your clean teeth. A type of electronic toothbrush, which has
been on the market for the last few years, emits transonic waves, which
will actually strip the fibria from microbes, which helps keep them
from attaching to the enamel of the tooth. Two common units are
from Braun and Sonicare. There are probably others, but if you
decide to purchase one of these, make sure that it isn’t simply an
‘electric’ toothbrush, where the head simply rotates or moves back and
forth. A good ‘transonic’ type electronic brush will cost on
average of $100.

Make it a goal to become 'dentally self-sufficient' this
year. Periodontal disease progression can be painless so you may
not even be aware of its presence. Decide to keep all of your
natural teeth in your mouth and your 'dental dollars' in your pocket.